FINAL BILL REPORT
SB 5337
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 29 L 15
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Modifying per diem rates for port district officers and employees.
Sponsors: Senators Fraser and Pearson.
Senate Committee on Government Operations & Security
House Committee on Local Government
Background: In 1911 the Legislature authorized the Port District Act allowing citizens to create port districts. Port districts are authorized for the purpose of acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation, development, and regulation of harbor improvements, rail or motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, water and air transfer and terminal facilities, or any combination of these facilities. Among the general powers granted to ports are the following:
acquisition of land, property, leases, and easements;
condemnation of property and the exercising of eminent domain;
development of lands for industrial and commercial purposes;
imposition of taxes, rates, and charges;
selling or otherwise conveying rights to property; and
construction and maintenance of specified types of park and recreation facilities.
The port district is governed by a three-member board of commissioners elected to staggered six or four-year terms of office, with at least one commissioner being elected in each odd-year general election. Voters of a port district with a population of 500,000 or more may authorize increasing the size of the board of commissioners to five members.
Port commissioners have the authority to hire employees and set wages, salaries, and benefits. Employees, officers, and commissioners of port districts may be reimbursed for travel and other business expenses incurred on behalf of the port district. A port district must adopt a resolution to establish regulations governing reimbursement for travel and other business expenses incurred by port officials and employees on behalf of the district. These regulations may establish that port officials and employees are paid per diem in lieu of actual expenses, but per diem cannot exceed $25 per day.
Summary: Per diem rates for port district officials and employees must not exceed the U.S. General Service Administration per diem rates.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 47 | 2 | |
House | 88 | 9 |
Effective: | July 24, 2015 |